Financial Aid Book Advance Update

A unique timing issue has occurred with Rio Salado College and Maricopa County Community College District's financial aid book advances that may affect students with a Jan. 9, 2012 course start date.

Book advances for the Jan. 9 start date were delayed due to an unforeseeable complication with the automated transfer of funds to Citi Prepaid Service. The problem was resolved as of Jan. 4. 

Students with Citi-issued debit cards can expect funds to be loaded to their cards today, January 5 and   direct deposit disbursements will begin Friday, Jan. 6.  According to Citi, direct deposit funds should be available for use within 2-3 business days.

Rio Salado Associate Dean of Financial Aid Ryan Chase said the issue should not affect any other start dates and steps have been taken to reduce the impact on students. “Rio Salado faculty members have been made aware that some students may not have course materials available on the first day of class,” Chase said.

The book advance initiative was introduced on all ten MCCCD campuses during the fall 2011 semester and exceeds federal financial aid requirements for making funds available to students for books and supplies. Additional information on the book advance program - including eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and disbursement schedules - can be found on the Rio Salado College website.